Mahindra Scorpio N vs Subaru Outback
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 11 Sep 2026, price 29 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Track the Mahindra Scorpio N & Subaru Outback
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Price Breakdown
The Mahindra Scorpio N starts from $44,550 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Mahindra Scorpio N the more affordable entry point by $4,440.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $49,005 and $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mahindra Scorpio N by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mahindra Scorpio N
None open on our record
Subaru Outback
- REC-005831 · published 20 Nov 2023The front drive shaft may not meet manufacturing specifications and the outer race of the front driveshaft may crack.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005485 · published 3 Aug 2022Due to a manufacturing issue, the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) adaptor cord connector may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2018
- REC-001697 · published 24 Aug 2021The fuel pump impeller may not meet manufacturing specifications, as a result it may become deformed.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- 11 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mahindra Scorpio N features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mahindra Scorpio N stands out with wireless charging and Sony audio — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mahindra Scorpio N gets leatherette upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Mahindra Scorpio N uses a 2.2L mHawk Turbo Diesel producing 129kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout.
The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 129kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mahindra Scorpio N measures 4,662mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 218mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mahindra Scorpio N generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Mahindra Scorpio N and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 70L advantage. The Mahindra Scorpio N seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mahindra Scorpio N leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m diameter
Average
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.6 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,052/year for the Mahindra Scorpio N and $2,309/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Mahindra Scorpio N.
Warranty: 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra Scorpio N) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). The Mahindra Scorpio N has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mahindra Scorpio N if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Subaru Outback: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 64, but the Mahindra Scorpio N is $4,440 cheaper
The Subaru Outback comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 64), taking 3 of 7 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Subaru Outback ahead by 46), technology (Mahindra Scorpio N ahead by 15), fuel economy (Mahindra Scorpio N ahead by 8). The Mahindra Scorpio N will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. The Mahindra Scorpio N adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mahindra Scorpio N and Subaru Outback?
The Mahindra Scorpio N is the cheapest at $44,550 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Outback by $4,440.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mahindra Scorpio N uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Subaru Outback has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 530L with the seats up (1,267L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Mahindra Scorpio N has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mahindra Scorpio N has the longest warranty at 7 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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